This weekend, Randy Hammill (and in no way related to Mark Hamill, yes, I know it is spelt differently) will be attending/showing and hopefully not dancing this weekend at the annual New England/Northeast Prototype Modelers Meet. (http://www.facebook.com/NERPM).  Randy is a spectacular modeller and a great guy to boot.  
     Not only will he be glad to help you out and get you on the right track, but with lots of new items coming up around the corner,  we are sure there will be something to interest you!
     New items - 8 Hatch Reefers, 4th run of 40' 1937 and 1944 Box cars including new paint schemes and assorted new tooling, a new run of Vanderbilt Tenders, MP36 Locomotives, re-run of 4 Axle C-Liner locomotives with ESU sound and correct grilles and trucks for US and CN liveries, along with a rerun of CP.  The HO scale MINI BOX CAR (with an 8'6" interior height) and more.  Dont forget our WATER based acrylic airbrush ready paints and HO scale accessories! 
    After - go on the layout tour and check out his layout (where you can read about it here http://newbritainstation.com/).  Have a great weekend!

   I am not sure if people are aware, but we are doing a special run of the METRA #401 model where all proceeds will be going to the MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION and the HSC (Hospital for Sick Children) Cancer research.   This life threatening sickness can come in all forms and can affect loved ones, family and friends, and even pets. 
   Frankly,  I have been pretty shocked at the lack of pre-orders on this one item - so I will give it another go - the STATIC model will retail for $50.00, and all the proceeds will be donated to HSC or the MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION. 
  

   What a great show!  We had lots of fun, and a great time had by all.  Lots of new people, and it was nice to see familiar faces stop by as well!  There was a great reaction to the soon-to-be-here-but-not-quite-yet 8 Hatch Reefers and the new CCM model Coffee shop! 
   Thanks to Fred Adams and the entire crew at the OTTAWA TRAIN EXPO for putting on a great show and for ESU for being great neighbours!  We will definitely be back next year and with a new great line up of product!
   Thanks do Mark Kaluza for sending in this photo of what other things can be done with a Vanderbilt!

Hello all,
   Hope to see you at the OTTAWA TRAIN EXPO this weekend (May 5-6) at the Carleton University Fieldhouse.  We'll have lots of new things to show (well, not new, but really delayed).  This is the first year of the show, and we are trying to make it as successful as we can, so stop by and show yourselves, browse, buy or schmooze, but come down!
   Mark and I will have some Can-Car model kits there available (http://www.truelinetrains.ca/can-car-structural-kits-1) as well as 8 Hatch Reefers and more.  Don't be shy, come by and yell at Mark (I need a break from the yelling).
   We have also updated the MP36 page with new artwork and information (http://www.truelinetrains.ca/locomotives/ho---mp36-3c-3s-mp-40). 
    You can also come find us on FACEBOOK for streaming information and on YOUTUBE for new videos and up to date information.
   
    I will be arriving in Ottawa on the 4th before setup to do some rail fanning, so you're all welcome to come join me (call the office for the details)
   
    Hope to see you all there!

Darren

Well,
     Things are getting under way, and the MP36 projects are being finalized now.   This has been a hard project for some time for me - all thanks to one engine in particular.  The METRA 401. 
     While I haven't really promoted this particular engine, as I think that it would be rude to promote a product on the base of a donation, we have accrued enough orders to go into production on its own.  So, now I can promote the engine on its own.
    What you didn't know about this particular engine was that a portion of all the proceeds for this locomotive were going to Brain Cancer Research (Sick Kids Hospital) and the Make a Wish Foundation (Canada). 
     The story behind this locomotive is touching and speaks mountains of how far we have come, and how far we still have to go to to find a cure for this terrible disease.
     The METRA "OLLIE" will be the only locomotive that we will offer in a "desktop" version for those that wish to donate, but either don't model METRA, or simply don't model trains but wish to donate. 
     I am sure that many of us have lost people to Cancer, personally, a Step - Brother and a Grandfather were taken from me well before their time.
     Please don't take this as a message to buy the product, there are several other ways you can donate as well.  Finding a cure isn't always easy, but the more people that make it possible by donating, the faster we can get there.

You know, lately I have been getting a lot of flack for the delays over in China.  There, unfortunately is nothing I can do about it.  Factories are closing and skilled workers are becoming more and more difficult to find.  The state of the economy and our hobby only compound the matter.  

Hello all my fellow modellers -
    We need your photos of your True Line Trains locomotives and cars to put on our slide show!  Upon your entry of the photo, we will be drawing a name at random for monthly prizes!
   Custom painting or out-of-the-box photos are welcome.  Even if it is someone elses' car but you have custom painted it by using our brand of TRUE LINE TRAIN paints you are eligible!
   The winner will be drawn and announced on the the 15th of every month!

Thanks
Darren

To everyone that has been trying to email me on this site (on the contact us page).  Randy <--yeah, I am pointing names TOTALLY FORGOT TO PUT AN "A" in CANADA!  (Who me?!? - R)
   We can't blame him really, he is so busy taking care of his layout and family that I will let it slide.  On another note, I have corrected it myself...and while I got the email to work, I think I broke the internet in the process (that is an inside joke, don't spend too long on it).
   On a lighter note, we have items shipping from the factory again (YAY!) .  We have also just learned that Sanda - Kan has closed yet another factory laying off more than 900 workers. 
   The industry side of this hobby isn't as stable as the consumer side, but I think we are getting there.

   
Until next time,
Happy Railroading!
Darren

I just hide it.

Don't let them fool you.
Its true.  I play with trains.

All giggly and excited playing with Trains.
It happens to us all.  We have moments of giddiness when we remember why we make trains.
I would like to think I am above it, but I am not.